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Sara Clasen
Vice President Package Development at Estée Lauder
Professional Background
Sara Clasen is a high-energy and visionary professional with over 20 years of experience in global packaging reinvention, design, sourcing, and execution. Her career has predominantly focused on the beauty segment, where she has cultivated a strong expertise across multiple categories within this vibrant industry. Sara's results-driven approach, coupled with her keen organizational skills, has enabled her to lead impactful initiatives in packaging strategy and development, making her a distinguished figure in her field.
Her impressive career trajectory has been significantly shaped by extensive roles at The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., where she has made substantial contributions as Vice President of Package Development. In this capacity, she played a pivotal role in driving forward the company's commitment to sustainability initiatives and the exploration of new and emerging packaging trends and technologies. Sara's leadership has been characterized by her ability to foster collaboration and mentorship within cross-functional teams, ensuring that innovative ideas translate seamlessly into effective product strategies.
Education and Achievements
Sara's educational background underpins her expertise in packaging science and engineering. She holds both a Master of Science (MS) and a Master’s Degree in Package Engineering from Clemson University. Additionally, she achieved her Bachelor of Science (BS) in Food Science from Michigan State University. This robust academic foundation in food science and packaging positions her uniquely to understand the complexities of materials and processes in the development of packaging solutions that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Throughout her career, Sara has continuously sought out advancements in technology and sustainability, positioning her at the forefront of the packaging development landscape. Her involvement in expanding in-house R&D capabilities reflects her commitment to innovation, while her strategic mindset enables her to anticipate and respond to market trends effectively.
Notable Achievements
- Leadership in Package Development: As Vice President at The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., Sara has led several high-impact packaging initiatives that emphasize sustainability while enhancing the user experience. Her strategic oversight has contributed directly to the brand's reputation for excellence in product presentation and environmental responsibility.
- Mentorship and Team Development: Through her roles, Sara has demonstrated a powerful commitment to mentoring and developing talent within her teams. Her collaborative spirit fosters an environment where creativity can thrive, empowering her colleagues to elevate their capabilities and careers.
- Sustainability Initiatives: Under her leadership, various sustainable packaging initiatives have been launched, demonstrating a strong alignment with global trends and consumer preferences towards environmentally friendly products. This encompasses sourcing materials and designing packaging that reduces environmental impact while maintaining brand integrity.
- Innovation in Packaging Trends: Sara's ability to identify and leverage emerging packaging trends and technologies has made her a sought-after innovator in the beauty segment. Her insights help the Estée Lauder Companies stay ahead of competition by incorporating cutting-edge design and functionality in their packaging solutions.
Achievements
